Interchangeable and customizable jewelry system and method of use

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable and customizable jewelry system that includes a primary jewelry strand extending from a first end to a second end with a midpoint therebetween. The primary jewelry strand also includes a first segment extending from the midpoint to the first end and a second segment extending from the midpoint to the second end. A first eyelet is formed in the first and second segments wherein the first eyelet of the first segment is equally spaced with the first eyelet of the second segment. A first hook is pivotally attached to the first end and a second hook is pivotally attached to the second end of the primary jewelry strand. The first hook releasably attaches to one of the second hook and the first eyelet of the second segment and the second hook releasably attaches to one of the first hook and the first eyelet of the first segment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a customizable jewelry system. More specifically, this invention relates to an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system which includes accessories which are not only adaptable to form multiple configurations individually, but also are interchangeably connectable to present a plurality of configurations and ensembles.

Dating back to some of the earliest civilizations, jewelry has been used throughout history as a form of personal adornment. Jewelry, has also served a variety of purposes such as being utilized as currency, as a means to demonstrate status or membership in a group, for protection, or for functional purposes to maintain garments. Notwithstanding, whatever use or purposes jewelry may have served in the past or may presently serve in contemporary societies, most often the unique appeal and fundamental utility of jewelry is embodied in the ability to provide individuals with an attractive, striking and personalized form of personal adornment or expression.

Based upon changing occasions, styles, preferences or even moods of the individual, with traditional jewelry people often require multiple pieces of jewelry to suit such changing styles, preferences and occasions. Moreover, given that most pieces of jewelry embody only a singular style or appearance, pieces of jewelry that are outdated or reflect a style or appearance that a person has simply grown tired of are ignored, discarded, given away, or sold. When sold, often the jewelry is for less than what the individual originally paid in order for the wearer to obtain new pieces that reflect the current style or tastes of the individual.

Although prior art jewelry items have been provided which have offered a degree of interchangeability with respect to characteristics such as settings which may appear on a particular piece, the overall character and appearance of the particular piece nonetheless remains the same. Furthermore, these prior art jewelry items do not provide the adaptability to function as items which can be worn as different types of jewelry. Current jewelry also fails to combine with other types of jewelry items to provide a wide array of differing styles or appearances to suit a variety of changing styles and preferences of the wearer. As a result, a need exists to provide a jewelry system that fulfills these needs and overcomes the disadvantages of traditional and prior art jewelry.

Therefore, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry system that is interchangeable and customizable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry system that provides the adaptability to function as items which can be worn as different types of jewelry.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry system that includes accessories which are interchangeably connectable to present a plurality of configurations and ensembles.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An interchangeable and customizable jewelry system includes a primary jewelry strand extending from a first end to a second end with a midpoint therebetween. The primary jewelry strand also includes a first segment extending from the midpoint to the first end and a second segment extending from the midpoint to the second end. A first eyelet is formed in the first segment and a first eyelet is formed in the second segment wherein the first eyelet of the first segment is equally spaced with the first eyelet of the second segment. A first hook is pivotally attached to the first end and a second hook is pivotally attached to the second end of the primary jewelry strand. The first hook releasably attaches to one of the second hook and the first eyelet of the second segment and the second hook releasably attaches to one of the first hook and the first eyelet of the first segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an accessory strand attached to an interconnected primary strand of an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interconnected accessory strand attached of an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system 10 includes accessories which are not only adaptable to form multiple configurations individually, but also are interchangeably connectable to present a plurality of configurations and ensembles. The system 10 includes at least one primary strand 12 of jewelry or personal adornment. The primary strand 12 is a linear string of metal or non-metal material and extends from a first end 14 to a second end 16. Preferably, the primary strand 12 is of a length such that the primary strand can be worn either as a long necklace or a belt, which, in one embodiment, has a length of between 40 and 50 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the primary strand 12 is composed, in whole or in part, of decorative metal. The decorative metal can be composed of either precious metal, such as platinum, gold, silver, or the like or alternatively of non-precious decorative metal such as stainless steel. However, the primary strand 12 of jewelry or personal adornment can be composed in whole or in part of other precious or non-precious decorative metals or materials such as fabric, leather, or the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

At the center of the primary strand 12 in between the first end 14 and second end 16 is a midpoint 18, which defines a first segment 20 of the primary strand 12 extending from the midpoint 18 to the first end 14 and a second segment 24 of the primary strand 12 which extends from the midpoint 18 to the second end 16. Centrally located on the first segment 20 is a midpoint 22 in between the midpoint 18 of the primary strand 12 and the first end 14. Similarly, centrally located on the second segment 24 is a midpoint 26 in between the midpoint 18 of the primary strand 12 and the second end 16. The primary strand 12 also includes a plurality of eyelets or openings 28.

In one embodiment, a series of openings or eyelets 28 comprise the primary strand 12 is of a decorative chain. Alternatively, the eyelets 28 are formed as a series of asymmetric, fanciful decorative chain segments. In yet another embodiment, the primary strand includes a series of equally spaced eyelets 28 where adjacent eyelets 28 are attached to and separated by decorative media 27 such as jewels, jewel settings, charms, or the like. Notwithstanding, in any embodiment, the first segment 20 includes one or more eyelets or openings 28 between the midpoint 18 and the first end 14 which align with and are equally spaced with a corresponding one or more eyelets or openings 28 of the second segment 24 between the midpoint 18 and the second end 16. Additionally, in one embodiment, an eyelet or opening 28 can also be provided at the midpoint 18 of the primary strand 12 and/or the midpoints 22, 26 of the first and second segments 20, 24.

A first hook 30 is pivotally affixed to the first end 14 and a second hook 32 is pivotally affixed to the second end 16 of the primary strand 12. Each of the first hook 30 and the second hook 32 have a closed end 34 and a constricted opening 36 which is opposite the closed end 34 and is adjacent to and opens toward the first end 14 and second end 16, respectively, when the primary strand 12 and hooks 30, 32 are outstretched in a linear position.

In a preferred embodiment, the first hook 30 and the second hook 32 have an arcuate, curvilinear or bulbous shape. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the closed end 34 has a greater width or wider diameter than the narrower width of the constricted opening 36 such that once the edge of an eyelet 28 or closed end 34 of an opposing hook 30, 32 is passed through the constricted opening 36 of the first or second hook 30, 32, the edge of the eyelet 28 or the closed end 34 of the opposing hook 32, 30 is releasably secured within the closed end 34 of the opposing hook 32, 30. The constricted opening 36 ensures that the connection between the hook 30, 32 and eyelet 28 or opposing hook 32, 30 will not become inadvertently separated. Alternatively, any releasable connecting means such as spring loaded or fold-over clasps, spring ring or lobster claw clasps, S-shaped connectors, magnets, or threaded connectors can be used in place of the hooks without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The system 10 also includes at least one accessory strand 38. The accessory strand 38 is a linear string of metal or non-metal material and extends from a first end 40 to a second end 42. Preferably, the accessory strand 38 is shorter in length than that of the primary strand 12, which, in one embodiment, has a length of between 8 and 14 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory strand 38 is composed, in whole or in part, of decorative metal. The decorative metal can be composed of either precious metal, such as platinum, gold, silver, or the like, or alternatively of non-precious decorative metal such as stainless steel. However, the accessory strand 34 can be composed in whole or in part of other precious or non-precious decorative metals or materials such as fabric, leather, or the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

At the center of the accessory strand 38 in between the first end 40 and second end 42 is a midpoint 44, which defines a first segment 46 of the accessory strand 38 extending from the midpoint 44 to the first end 40 and a second segment 50 of the accessory strand 38 which extends from the midpoint 44 to the second end 42. Centrally located on the first segment 46 is a midpoint 48 in between the midpoint 44 of the accessory strand 38 and the first end 40. Similarly, centrally located on the second segment 50 is a midpoint 52 in between the midpoint 44 of the accessory strand 38 and the second end 42. The accessory strand 34 also includes a plurality of eyelets or openings 54. In one embodiment, the accessory strand 38 is composed of a series of openings or eyelets 54 as segments of a decorative chain. Alternatively, the eyelets 54 are formed as a series of asymmetric, fanciful decorative chain segments. In yet another embodiment, the accessory strand 38 includes a series of equally spaced eyelets 54 wherein adjacent eyelets 54 are attached to and separated by decorative media 27 such as jewels, jewel settings, charms, or the like.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of accessory strands 38 are provided, wherein each of the plurality of accessory strands 38 have a different decorative appearance. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the plurality of accessory strands 38 is composed of a series of openings or eyelets 46 as segments of a decorative chain, another of the plurality of accessory strands 38 is composed of eyelets 54 are formed as a series of asymmetric, fanciful decorative chain segments, and yet another of the plurality of accessory strands 38 includes a series of equally spaced eyelets 54 wherein adjacent eyelets 54 are attached to and separated by decorative media 27 such as jewels, jewel settings, charms, or the like. However, the one or plurality of accessory strands 38 can have additional or alternative decorative appearances and/or any one or combination of the foregoing appearances without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Notwithstanding, in any embodiment, the first segment 46 includes one or more eyelets or openings 54 between the midpoint 44 of the accessory strand 38 and the first end 40 which align with and are equally spaced with a corresponding one or more eyelets or openings 54 of the second segment 50 between the midpoint 44 of the accessory strand 38 and the second end 42. Additionally, in one embodiment, an eyelet or opening 54 can also be provided at the midpoint 44 of the accessory strand 38 and/or the midpoints 48, 52 of the first and second segments 46, 50.

A first hook 56 is pivotally affixed to the first end 40 and a second hook 58 is pivotally affixed to the second end 42 of the accessory strand 38. Each of the first hook 56 and the second hook 58 have a closed end 60 and a constricted opening 62 which is opposite the closed end 60 and is adjacent to and opens toward the first end 40 and second end 42, respectively, when the accessory strand 38 and hooks 56, 58 are outstretched in a linear position. In a preferred embodiment, the first hook 56 and the second hook 58 have an arcuate, curvilinear or bulbous shape. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the closed end 60 has a greater width or wider diameter than the narrower width of the constricted opening 62 such that once the edge of an eyelet 28, eyelet 54 or closed end 34, 60 of an opposing hook 30, 32, 58, 56 is passed through the constricted opening 62 of the first or second hook 56, 58, the edge of the eyelet 28, 54 or the closed end 34, 60 of the opposing hook 32, 30, 58, 56 is releasably secured within the closed end 60 of the opposing hook 30, 32, 56, 58 while the constricted opening 62 ensures that the connection between the hook 56, 58 and eyelet 28, 54 or opposing hook 30, 32, 58, 56 will not become inadvertently separated. Alternatively, any releasable connecting means such as spring loaded or fold-over clasps, spring ring or lobster claw clasps, S-shaped connectors, magnets, or threaded connectors can be used in place of the hooks without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The interchangeable and customizable jewelry system 10 also includes an extension strand 64. The extension strand 64 is a linear string of metal or non-metal material and extends from a first end 66 to a second end 68. The first and second ends 66, 68 of the extension strand 64 include attachment eyelets or openings 70 which releasably attach to the hooks 30, 32 of the primary strand 12 and the hooks 56, 58 of any of the one or more of the plurality of accessory strands 38.

In operation, when the primary strand 12 is desired by the user to be worn as a belt, the primary strand 12 is wrapped around the user's waist. Depending upon the user's waist size, the closed end 34 of the first hook 30 is passed through the constricted opening 36 of the second hook 32 such that the primary strand 12 forms a belt around the user's waist connected via the releasable attachment between the first and second hooks 30, 32 to form a longer, draping belt. Alternatively, if the user desires to wear the primary strand 12 as a tighter, form fitting belt, first hook 30 is inserted into one of the plurality of eyelets 28 of the second segment 24 in between the midpoint 26 of the second segment 24 and the second end 16 of the primary strand 12.

If the user wishes to further secure the primary strand 12, the second hook 32 is inserted into one of the plurality of eyelets 28 of the first segment 20 in between the midpoint 22 of the first segment 20 and the first end 14 of the primary strand 12 such that end portions of the first segment 20 and second segment 24 form a complimentary overlapping, and adjacent connection via the first and second hooks 30, 32. If the user wishes to lengthen the belt further, the first and second hooks 30, 32 can be inserted into the attachment eyelets 70 at the first and second ends 66, 68 of the extension strand 64, respectively, such that the extension strand 64 increases and forms a part of the circumference of the primary strand 12. If the user wishes to accessorize the primary strand 12 worn as a belt further, the first and second hooks 56, 58 of one or more accessory strands 38 can be inserted into the same, adjacent, or remote eyelets 28 of the primary strand 12 such that the one or more accessory strands 38 are removably attached to and suspended from one or more eyelets 28 of the primary strand 12 via the hooks 56, 58.

Once the primary strand 12 is desired by the user to be worn as a long necklace, the primary strand 12 is wrapped around the user's neck, and the closed end 34 of the first hook 30 is passed through the constricted opening 36 of the second hook 32 such that the primary strand 12 forms a long necklace around the user's neck connected via the releasable attachment between the first and second hooks 30, 32. Next, one or more accessory strands can be added to the primary strand 12 worn as a long necklace. In order to add accessory strands 38 to the necklace/primary strand 12, the first hook 56 of a first accessory strand 38 is passed through one of the plurality of eyelets 28 on the first segment 20 of the primary strand 12. With the first hook 56 secured within the eyelet 28 of the first segment 20, the second hook 58 of the first accessory strand 38 is inserted into a corresponding eyelet or opening 28 on the second segment 24 which corresponds to and aligns with the eyelet 28 on the first segment 20 such that the accessory strand is suspended within the interior circumference of the primary strand 12 in between the first and second segments 20, 24.

In one embodiment, the first accessory strand 38 is attached via hooks 56, 58 to the opposing, corresponding eyelets 28 at the midpoints 22, 24 of the first and second segments 20, 24, respectively. Additionally, a second accessory strand 38 is attached to the same eyelets 28 at the midpoints 22, 24 of the first and second segments 20, 24. Further accessory strands 38 can be removably attached to the primary strand 12 in the foregoing manner, or alternatively can be attached to corresponding eyelets 28 in between the midpoints 22, 26 of the first and second segments 20, 24 and the midpoint 18 such that two or more adjacent accessory strands 38 are suspended within the interior circumference of the primary strand 12/necklace in a concentrically aligned series in between the first and second segments 20, 24.

Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first and second hooks 56, 58 of a first additional accessory strand 38 can be inserted through any one of the openings 28 on the first segment 20. Then one or both of the first and second hooks 56, 58 of a second additional accessory strand 38 can be inserted through any one of the corresponding openings 28 on the second segment 24 aligned with the opening 28 of the first segment 20 such that the first and second accessory strands 38 are suspended from the outer circumference of the primary strand 12/necklace.

If the user wishes to decrease the length or desires to wear the primary strand 12 as a tighter necklace, the first hook 30 is inserted into any one of the plurality of eyelets 28 of the second segment 24 and the second hook 32 is inserted into the corresponding eyelet 28 of the first segment 20 aligned with the selected eyelet 28 into which the first hook 30 is inserted on the first segment 20 such that portions of the first segment 20 and second segment 24 form a complimentary overlapping, and adjacent connection via the first and second hooks 30, 32. One or a plurality of accessory strands 38 can be attached to the primary strand 12/necklace by insertion of the first and second hooks 56, 58 into the same or complimentary aligned eyelets 28 as disclosed above.

If the user alternatively wishes to lengthen the necklace further, the first and second hooks 30, 32 can be inserted into the attachment eyelets 70 at the first and second ends 66, 68 of the extension strand 64, respectively, such that the extension strand 64 increases and forms a part of the circumference of the primary strand 12.

If the wearer should desire a bracelet, an additional unused accessory strand 38 or alternatively any such strand 38 can be removed from the primary strand 12 utilized as a necklace or a belt. In order to form any accessory strand 38 as a bracelet, the accessory strand 38 is wrapped around the user's wrist. Next, the first hook 56 is inserted into any one of the plurality of eyelets 54 of the second segment 50 and the second hook 58 is inserted into the corresponding eyelet 54 of the first segment 46 corresponding to and aligned with the selected eyelet 54 into which the first hook 56 is inserted on the first segment 46 such that portions of the first segment 46 and second segment 50 form a complimentary overlapping, and adjacent connection via the first and second hooks 56, 58. In one embodiment, the first hook 56 is inserted into either an eyelet 54 at the midpoint 52 of the second segment 50 or any one of the plurality of eyelets 54 in between the midpoint 52 of the second segment 50 and the second end 42 of the accessory strand 38. The second hook 56 is then inserted into the aligning, corresponding eyelet 54 of the first segment 46 in a like manner, thereby allowing the size, fit and appearance of the accessory strand 38 worn as a bracelet to be adjusted.

Finally, if the user wishes to wear one or more accessory strands 38 as a necklace, the first hooks 56 of the one or more accessory strands 38 are inserted into the attachment eyelet 70 at the first end 66 of the extension strand 64. The one or more accessory strands 38 and extension strand 64 are placed around the user's neck and the second hooks 58 of the one or more accessory strands 38 are inserted into the attachment eyelet 70 at the second end 68 of the extension strand 64. Thereafter, additional accessory strands 38 can be added or existing strands 38 can be removed from the necklace configuration via the hooks 56, 58 and attachment eyelets 70 in a manner described above.

Therefore, an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system 10 and method of use thereof has been disclosed which provides a jewelry system that is interchangeable and customizable. Furthermore the interchangeable and customizable jewelry system 10 and method of use thereof has been disclosed which presents a jewelry system that provides the adaptability to function as items which can be worn as different types of jewelry. Finally, interchangeable and customizable jewelry system 10 includes accessories which are interchangeably connectable to present a plurality of configurations and ensembles. Thus, at the very least all of the stated objectives have been met.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jewelry system comprising: a primary jewelry strand having a first and second eyelet; first and second hooks pivotally attach to the primary jewelry strand; and wherein the first hook releasably attaches to one of the second hook and the first eyelet and the second hook releasably attaches to one of the first hook and the first eyelet.
 2. The jewelry system of claim 1 further comprising an accessory strand extending from a first end to a second end with a first hook pivotally attached to the first end and a second hook pivotally attached to the second end of the accessory strand.
 3. The jewelry system of claim 2 wherein the first hook of the accessory strand releasably attaches to the second eyelet of the primary jewelry strand and the second hook of the accessory strand releasably attaches to the second eyelet of the primary jewelry strand such that the accessory strand is suspended within an interior circumference of the primary jewelry strand.
 4. The jewelry system of claim 2 wherein the accessory strand includes a first segment having a plurality of equally spaced eyelets and extending from a midpoint to the first end and a second segment having a plurality of equally spaced eyelets and extending from the midpoint to the second end.
 5. The jewelry system of claim 4 wherein the first hook of the accessory strand is releasably attached to one of the plurality of eyelets of the second segment and the second hook is releasably attached to one of the plurality of eyelets of the first segment.
 6. The jewelry system of claim 4 wherein the accessory strand includes a plurality of decorative media segments pivotally affixed to and in between the plurality of eyelets of the first and second segments.
 7. A method of using an interchangeable and customizable jewelry system comprising the steps of: providing a primary jewelry strand having a first and second eyelet; providing a first hook pivotally attached to the primary jewelry strand and a second hook pivotally attached to the primary jewelry strand; inserting the first hook into to one of the second hook and the first eyelet; and inserting the second hook into one of the first hook and the first eyelet.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of providing an accessory strand extending from a first end to a second end with a first hook pivotally attached to the first end and a second hook pivotally attached to the second end of the accessory strand.
 9. The jewelry system of claim 8 further comprising the steps of inserting the first hook of the accessory strand into the second eyelet of the primary jewelry strand and inserting the second hook of the accessory strand into the second eyelet of the primary jewelry strand such that the accessory strand is suspended within an interior circumference of the primary jewelry strand.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the accessory strand includes a first segment having a plurality of equally spaced eyelets and extending from a midpoint to the first end and a second segment having a plurality of equally spaced eyelets and extending from the midpoint to the second end.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of inserting the first hook of the accessory strand into one of the plurality of eyelets of the second segment and inserting the second hook into one of the plurality of eyelets of the first segment.
 12. The jewelry system of claim 10 wherein the accessory strand includes a plurality of decorative media segments pivotally affixed to and in between the plurality of eyelets of the first and second segments. 